oresaid
University.[43]

The words _steura_ and _losunge_ refer to special forms of taxes whose
exact nature is not known.

3. Not only were Masters, students, and corporate property exempt from
taxation, but also persons connected with the universities in
subordinate capacities. There was much dispute in some places as to the
number and occupations of those who might be thus exempted. The
following letter of Henry VI of England to the University of Caen,
Normandy, settles one of these disputes.

On January 22, 1450, the King refused to free the dependents of the
university from taxation. The Masters and Scholars thereupon made formal
complaint to him that this refusal hindered the free and peaceful
pursuit of their studies as guaranteed by his charter of 1432 (see p.
103). In reply (February 13, 1450), the King recognized the justice of
the complaint and granted the desired privilege. Compare the similar
exemption in the Harvard Charter of 1650 (p. 101). The letter is
apparently addressed to the Bailiff of Caen and other royal officials.

Nevertheless since those letters of ours [of January 22] were
sent, proper and true objection has been made to us as to those
privileges, whereby we have well understood that the Doctors,
Masters, Scholars, dependents, officers, households and servitors
should not be subject to or obliged to contribute to such
villein-taxes, aides, and octrois.

Therefore is it, that we--wishing our letters, gifts of
privileges, and commands to be guarded and supported without any
diminution or loss in any manner whatever, but to be increased,
augmented and maintained--have regarded and also considered the
fact that said members of our said daughter [i.e. the University]
could not well carry out the requirements of study, or continue
therein, if their servitors and households did not enjoy and use
such and similar privileges as said members. Desiring, with all
our heart the maintenance, continuation and increase of our said
University which (not without good reason) we have under our
special favor, considering these things, with the advice and
counsel of our very dear and very beloved Cousin Edmond, Duke of
Somerset, Lieutenant-General and Governor in our stead of our
realms of France, the country and Duchy of Normandy, we command
and strictly enjoin you all and each one of you so far as